Anderson-Staples Post 112 lights Veterans’ Tree

Lighting up Photo:

OXFORD TREE LIGHTING - Santa lights the tree at Anderson-Staples Post 112

OXFORD — Santa, with the help of children, applied the “magic dust” to light up the Veterans’ Tree at Anderson-Staples American Legion Post 112 on Friday, December 3, in Oxford.

Oh, how lucky we are in this great land to be free to celebrate the Christmas season as we choose - to be with family and friends as a free nation. The Veterans’ Tree gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to the lives and service of military personnel who answered the nation’s call to preserve freedom. This tree lighting help us unite as a community and may it reflect the meaning of citizenship and the precious joys of being Americans.

Care for our military families in the upcoming year. Keep plenty of room in your heart for all veterans. Their sacrifices taught us that freedom and our way of life is worth the fight. Just by the number of lights on the tree in honor of or in memory of  veterans tells the whole truth. Let us open our hearts this Christmas season and extend the hand of friendship to all mankind.

After the tree was lit, all went into the Post Home for a brief ceremony which began with the U.S. flag being presented by the color unit of Cub Scout Pack 196, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Scout Garrett Haslett.

The list of veterans’ names for lights was read by Auxiliary Unit 112 President Linda Jack. The big moment came when some 40 plus kids, young and old, got to have their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A token gift was given to all and light refreshments of homemade cookies and cupcakes, hot cocoa and warm apple cider was served the the Ladies Auxiliary.

The Scouts were thanked by Post 112 Adjutant Joe Bernard for doing their “good turns daily.”

The Post and Auxiliary Unit wish to thank all who support and keep this tradition going — to those who buy the lights, to those who cook and serve refreshments, to those who come out at night to light the tree, the Scouts of both Troop 196 and Pack 196 and Santa and Mrs. Claus.